NHL Rumors XI: Oilers, Bruins, Michalek, Thornton, Kesler, and Tootoo

“Going back out to Western Canada, maybe that wouldn’t be the worst thing for him (Boychuk), an Edmonton native, and something he might be amenable to. I know he loves Boston though and he doesn’t want to leave. But if he’s going to sign that big contract I think it’s going to be somewhere else, it’s not going to be with the Bruins after this coming season…”

They talked about the possibilities of Winnipeg and Edmonton. Edmonton is willing to take on salary. Staples thinks Boychuk is something the Oilers could use in terms of “size, toughness, defensive play and hockey smarts.” If the Bruins don’t think they can sign him long-term, they could look to move him. Staples adds that with Zdeno Chara being 37-years old, they might be willing to step and sign him long-term. Staples wonders if the Bruins would do a Oscar Klefbom or Martin Marincin for Boychuk deal? Would they go for a Jeff Petry for Boychuk deal? Boychuk has a modified no-trade clause.